UT regent investigation off to a slow start

The House Select Committee on Transparency in State Agency on Operations postponed hearings on the possible impeachment of University of Texas regent Wallace Hall until August to allow time to hire an attorney and investigators.

The committee met Monday to receive advice from Jeff Archer, executive director of the Texas Legislative Council, who presented some history of impeachments in Texas. Besides Gov. Pa Ferguson, only judges have been impeached, Archer said. Hall would be the first gubernatorial appointment to face the process if the committee finds grounds to recommend his removal from office.

Speaker Joe Straus asked the committee to conduct an investigation into the Dallas businessman after complaints that he has abused his office by inundating the UT-Austin with open records requests. Several lawmakers have accused Hall of conducting a “witch hunt” to find an excuse to fire UT-Austin President William C. Powers. They’ve also criticized Hall for failing to disclose lawsuits against him on his application to be regent as required by law.

Archer advised lawmakers they have broad latitude in recommending a person’s removal from office. Rep. Charles Perry, R-Lubbock, said the committee would be guided by “common sense” in its investigation and conclusions. Committee members will decide whether Hall’s activities “pass the smell test,” he said.